SDOG vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SDOG (ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds - SDOG tracks the S-Network Sector Dividend Dogs Index while FDL tracks the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SDOG returned 9.59%/yr vs 11.24%/yr for FDL. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SDOG charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

SDOG vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDOG achieves a 14.21% return, which is significantly higher than FDL's 13.33% return. Over the past 10 years, SDOG has underperformed FDL with an annualized return of 9.59%, while FDL has yielded a comparatively higher 11.24% annualized return.

SDOG

• 1D: -0.91%
• 1M: 3.56%
• YTD: 14.21%
• 6M: 15.85%
• 1Y: 24.70%
• 3Y*: 16.65%
• 5Y*: 8.48%
• 10Y*: 9.59%

FDL

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 13.33%
• 6M: 14.76%
• 1Y: 23.67%
• 3Y*: 18.97%
• 5Y*: 12.51%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

SDOG vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SDOG ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	14.21%	11.12%	14.70%	4.19%	-0.20%	24.59%	-0.35%	24.02%	-11.43%	12.65%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	13.33%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	-5.99%	12.02%

Correlation

The correlation between SDOG and FDL is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2012	0.89

The correlation between SDOG and FDL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

SDOG vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SDOG	FDL
Consumer Cyclical	15.0%	3.8%
Technology	14.1%	1.1%
Financial Services	11.0%	15.1%
Energy	9.9%	27.3%
Consumer Defensive	9.8%	14.7%
Healthcare	9.7%	16.8%
Utilities	9.4%	6.5%
Communication Services	9.0%	10.6%
Industrials	8.0%	3.8%
Basic Materials	4.1%	0.3%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

SDOG vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

SDOG

SDOG Risk / Return Rank: 68
SDOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
SDOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
SDOG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
SDOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
SDOG Martin Ratio Rank: 69

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 70
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 71

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

SDOG vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	SDOG	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	2.11	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.26	3.25	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.37	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.98	5.56	-1.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.78	13.56	-0.78
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SDOG vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDOG Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDOG and FDL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SDOG	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.17	2.11	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55	0.88	-0.33
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	0.66	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	0.45	+0.20

Drawdowns

SDOG vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDOG drawdown since its inception was -43.56%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDOG and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDOG	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.56%	-65.93%	+22.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.24%	-4.27%	-1.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.00%	-12.24%	-3.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.84%	-16.46%	-3.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.56%	-41.40%	-2.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.91%	-2.18%	+1.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.92%	-9.66%	+4.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	1.75%	+0.19%

Volatility

SDOG vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) has a higher volatility of 3.02% compared to First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) at 2.85%. This indicates that SDOG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FDL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDOG	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.02%	2.85%	+0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.93%	7.87%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.42%	11.28%	+0.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.42%	14.31%	+1.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.06%	17.11%	+1.95%

SDOG vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDOG has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is lower than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDOG vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

SDOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.35%, less than FDL's 3.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.68%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
SDOG ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	3.35%	3.68%	3.86%	4.29%	3.87%	3.62%	3.63%	3.37%	4.03%	3.27%	3.32%	3.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDOG and FDL in my portfolio?

SDOG and FDL have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDOG or FDL?

SDOG has higher volatility (3.02%) compared to FDL (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDOG dropped -43.56% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, SDOG or FDL?

On 10-year performance, FDL leads with 11.24% vs 9.59% for SDOG. On fees, SDOG is cheaper at 0.36% per year. On volatility, FDL has been the lower-risk option at 2.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDOG or FDL?

Over the 10-year period, FDL has performed better with a 11.24% return vs 9.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDOG or FDL?

SDOG is cheaper with a 0.36% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FDL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SDOG or FDL?

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.68%, compared with 3.35% for SDOG.

What is the main difference between SDOG and FDL?

SDOG tracks S-Network Sector Dividend Dogs Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. They also come from different issuers: SS&C and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for SDOG and 0.45% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SDOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 2.11), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.